Cellulitis is a bacterial infection and a diabetic foot infection that can lead to serious complications. It is caused due to poor diabetes control that leads to reduced blood circulation, reduced immunity, and diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetes and feet – Diagnosis of Cellulitis
Reduced immunity in diabetes increases the chances of diabetic foot infections. When there is an infection, there is also an increase in the blood sugar level. This is a vicious cycle. That is why people with diabetes should consult a diabetes doctor or a podiatrist as soon as they experience any of the symptoms of cellulitis. The doctor would do a physical examination and conduct certain diagnostic tests in order to ascertain the cause of symptoms.
It is important for people with diabetes to notice any changes in their skin. Upon noticing any redness, tenderness, or foot pain, they should conduct a doctor. Also, since people with eczema or athlete’s foot are prone to get cellulitis, they have to be extra cautious when it comes to daily foot examination.
In order to confirm a diagnosis of cellulitis, doctors conduct a physical examination of the feet, take the medical history of the patient, and conduct other tests.
Cellulitis generally occurs due to bacterial infections. Infections of streptococcus, and staphylococcus are common causes of cellulitis. In order to determine these infections, the following tests are conducted:
- Gram Stain test
- Needle aspiration test ( in case of formation of pus)
- Blood cultures
- Punch biopsy
- Complete blood count
- Creatinine test
- C-reactive protein test
- Creatine phosphokinase test
- Erythrocyte sedimentation ratio
